"You can't wash properly so you get skin infections. In winter you get chest infections.

"You tend to cheer yourself up with alcohol and other drugs. Not so good for a developing brain, never mind a developed brain. So there is all sorts of hidden consequences," said Dr Bagshaw.

An art work created by women at the shelter. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham

Canterbury District Health Board psychiatrist Dr Christine Dudek said she was delighted to hear the service was now a permanent fixture.

The DHB directed women to the shelter if they were not psychiatrically ill, but in acute social crisis, such as women who have left a relationship and have no one else to stay with, she said.

"(The women) are in real distress. They don't know where to sleep, they need direct help and the women's shelter provides that.

"You can go there straight away, and they also have some social service and social workers to help with the situation."

Ms Williamson said she had worked in the sector for 30 years, and there had always been a need for a women's shelter, but the earthquakes and the destruction of cheaper accommodation, brought the issue to a head.

She said having the shelter as a permanent feature meant the Christchurch City Missioncould start making long term plans.

"We are in the process of looking at the possibility of a purpose built building. We've talked to architects and that may be a reality. So that would be great."

Ms Williamson said now that they knew they were no longer trying to convince people there was a need, they could put all their effort into growing the programme to empower women to move on.